All about the name

Shirlene

Female

« Shirlene is a distinct female name of African American origin, a variant of Shirley meaning 'bright clear', popularized in mid-20th century US, notably among Southern communities. »

#2568 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Shirlene is a unique and distinctive female given name that is of African American origin. It is a variation of Shirley, which means "bright clear" in English. The name Shirlene was popularized during the mid-20th century as a part of the wider trend of naming children with names that ended in "-ene." This trend included other names such as Tamarene, Karen, and Merlene. The name Shirlene has not been widely used throughout history, but it is most commonly found in African American communities. It is thought to have originated in the Southern United States during the mid-20th century. The name's popularity peaked in the 1950s and 1960s and has since declined. Despite its relative rarity, Shirlene remains a unique and beautiful name that carries with it a rich cultural history. It is often associated with strength, resilience, and creativity, reflecting the spirit of those who bear this distinctive name.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Shirlene since 1880

Total births
4,856
Total since 1880
Peak year
1956
159 births
in 2010
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years